Policy 10: Team Parity, Player Evaluations and Team Selection

POLICY 10: TEAM PARITY, PLAYER EVALUATIONS & TEAM SELECTION

Purpose

To ensure fair, equitable, and developmentally appropriate placement of players on teams within divisions where more than one team is declared, in alignment with LLA’s values and the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) framework.

Scope

This policy applies to all divisions where multiple teams are formed within the Lakeland Lacrosse Association (U9 through U17), and includes all players, coaches, and evaluation personnel.

10.01 Guiding Principles

• Teams will be formed with balance in skill and ability to promote fair play and player development.
• The Alberta Lacrosse Association’s LTAD will be adhered to by all coaches. (U9 option L, U7 option X)
• Transparency, objectivity, and fairness will guide all evaluation and selection procedures.

10.02 Player Evaluations

10.02.01 Evaluation Objectives:

• Assess players’ skills, athleticism, and game sense in a consistent and unbiased environment.
• Provide objective data to support team formation with parity.

10.02.02 Evaluation Structure:

• Evaluations will be scheduled and communicated well in advance.
• Each player will participate in at least two formal evaluation sessions.
• Evaluations will assess skills such as passing, catching, shooting, defensive play, and lacrosse IQ through drills and scrimmage situations.

10.02.03 Evaluation Staff:

• A minimum of three impartial evaluators will be used for each division where parity is required.
• Evaluators must not have a vested interest (e.g., no immediate family members in the division being evaluated).
• Evaluators may include experienced coaches, board members, or qualified third-party personnel approved by LLA.

10.03 Team Selection Process

10.03.01 Team Formation:

• Based on evaluation results, players will be distributed between teams in a way that ensures balanced skill levels.
• Coaches may provide input into player placement but do not make final decisions.
• Final team rosters will be approved by the LLA Coaching Director and/or Player Development Committee.

10.03.02 Coach Placement:

• Coaches will be assigned to teams after player evaluations to avoid conflict of interest.
• Requests for specific coaching assignments will be considered but not guaranteed.

10.03.03 Player and Parent Requests:

• Friend or coach requests are not guaranteed in parity divisions.
• Requests will only be considered if they do not compromise the integrity of team parity.

10.04 Equal Play Time Standard

In alignment with Option L of the Alberta Lacrosse Association’s LTAD model, equal play time is mandatory for all players in divisions U9 through U17. Coaches must rotate players through all positions (excluding specialized positions such as goalie) wherever developmentally appropriate.

POLICY REVIEW

This policy will be reviewed bi-annually by the LLA Board to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with ALA and CLA standards.